COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina’s public schools, serving more than 800,000 students, remain a central focus of the state’s budget, with billions in taxpayer dollars allocated annually. As lawmakers prepare to reconvene in January, the Department of Education is outlining its priorities for the upcoming fiscal year.
State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver is advocating for significant investments, particularly in teacher pay and rural school infrastructure. Weaver aims to raise the minimum teacher salary to $50,000, building on recent progress that saw starting salaries increase from $32,000 to $47,000 over the last six years. She also proposes $5 million to expand a strategic pay pilot program, designed to attract top teachers to areas with the greatest need.
Investment in Rural Schools and Career Readiness
The department is also prioritizing rural schools, proposing $13 million for career preparation programs in fields like computer science and cybersecurity. Additionally, Weaver seeks $100 million to establish an Education Infrastructure Bank, aimed at helping rural schools fund critical building improvements that are beyond their current tax base.
The infrastructure bank would also provide funds for charter schools, which currently lack access to state facilities and transportation funding.
Support for Early Education and School Choice
Weaver is requesting $30 million to expand summer reading camps for younger students at risk of falling behind.
Another $30 million is earmarked for the Education Scholarship Trust Fund, a school voucher program that has faced legal challenges. The state Supreme Court recently ruled public funds cannot be used for private school tuition, but Republican lawmakers plan to pursue legislation to change this, with Weaver’s support.
A Push for the Future
Weaver’s proposals reflect a multifaceted approach to addressing the state’s educational challenges. From boosting teacher pay and modernizing rural schools to expanding school choice and early education initiatives, the superintendent aims to ensure every student in South Carolina has access to quality education.
Lawmakers will review the department’s budget requests when the legislative session begins in January.
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